FUNDING SUCCESS! AUS FUNDS ARKTL

ARKTL (Association of Community Radio Timor-Leste) has successfully applied for funding from The Australian Embassy’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) to support the Community Engagement Pilot Project. The pilot project which is currently being implemented forms stage one of a national rollout that aims to build the capacity of the community radio network to train and maintain new volunteers. The pilot project will also address station specific training needs to improve organisational sustainability, community engagement and support the development of community radio ambassador body ARKTL. The build of the new ARKTL website, launched today, showcases the strength of community radio in Timor-Leste and provides a platform for information sharing, networking, news and access to resources.

Last month, seven community radio stations participated in the first Train the Trainers workshop and in Bacau the wheels are in motion for the first station specific community engagement project. The focus for this project is Lian Matebean’s (99.9FM) 11th anniversary celebrations. Set to be held on December 10th, the celebrations will involve a community event, games and a listening party.

Along with training, local project delivery and capacity building the DAP grant assists ARKTL to buy equipment that will enable talkback capabilities at all 16 community radio stations.

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible small grants program funded by the Australian Government. DAP is primarily aimed at supporting small-scale, sustainable development projects. Two Aus Aid volunteers and partner organisation Asia Pacific Journalism Centre (APJC) support ARKTL to deliver the Community Engagement Project.